What’s new in Chicago for meetings: 2027 and beyond in the country’s Best Big City

Published on October 6, 2026 by Choose Chicago

Chicago is a city that never stops innovating — it’s why we’ve been named the Best Big City in the U.S. for an unprecedented 10 years in a row.

That means meeting professionals always have something new to discover, from hotel openings to jaw-dropping new venues to groundbreaking experiences and attractions.

Check out some of the latest and greatest things happening in Chicago, guaranteed to impress your attendees whether they’re first-time visitors or longtime locals.

Chicago highlights from 2026

Chicago made moves in 2026. Along with being named the country’s Best Big City, Chicago celebrated landmark openings, welcomed top hotel brands, and launched new experiences in every corner of the city.

Obama Presidential Center: a new landmark on the South Side

The Obama Presidential Center opened in June 2026, immediately becoming one of Chicago’s hottest attractions. The immersive museum features an observation deck, exhibits on the Obama family’s time in Chicago and the White House, and a full-scale replica of the Oval Office. This lakefront campus is the perfect backdrop for meetings, thanks to a host of unique event spaces. It’s also an unforgettable destination for group experiences and after-hours events.

More new attractions and experiences

Along with the Obama Presidential Center, Chicago welcomed a huge variety of new events and experiences in 2026:

The Hand & The Eye: The largest magic venue in the world is tucked away in a historic downtown Chicago mansion. The multi-floor experience will take guests from intimate rooms to larger theatres — no phones allowed, just breathtaking magic.

F1 Arcade Chicago: Feel the exhilaration of F1 with this new racing simulator experience in the heart of River North. Perfect for networking events or after-hours gatherings, the F1 Arcade combines real thrills with fun social experiences.

The Cube: This one-of-a-kind experiential space is now open along The Magnificent Mile. Based on the popular game show, The Cube invites guests to compete in a variety of games and challenges, an ideal option for team building or social outings.

Hello Kitty Cafe: The world’s largest Hello Kitty Cafe is now open in Chicago, drawing fans from all over for sweet treats, themed merchandise, and an afternoon tea experience.

TimeLine Theatre Company: The local theatre company unveiled its new $40 million home in the city’s Uptown neighborhood, complete with a 250-seat theatre space, exhibit gallery, and cafe and bar space.

Garfield Park Conservatory: The conservatory hosted the grand opening of its new Children’s Garden, a 6,000-square-foot indoor space with new interactive elements and accessibility amenities.

New and improved venues

Chicago welcomed an array of unique new venues this year, including three stunning waterfront spaces.

RR Events: This newly renovated private events venue sits along the Chicago River in the bustling heart of downtown. Rent out the entire RR Events property for 1,200 guests or host an intimate gathering on the veranda for 30 with breathtaking water views.

NAIA: One of the most highly anticipated openings of this year, NAIA offers panoramic views of the Chicago River and surrounding cityscape. The Lounge is the restaurant’s dedicated event space with floor-to-ceiling windows, indoor and outdoor space, and capacity for up to 300 reception-style.

Stony Island Arts Bank: Stony Island Arts Bank is a dynamic cultural hub in the South Shore neighborhood that recently reopened with two new spaces. Han Cha serves Korean-inspired high tea, while Yunomi is a chic Japanese-inspired bar that uses drinking vessels hand-crafted by iconic local artist Theaster Gates.

Wrigley on the River: Located inside the landmark Wrigley Building, Wrigley on the River is a truly one-of-a-kind event venue. Nestled between the Chicago River and The Magnificent Mile, the space is designed for corporate functions and intimate celebrations. The venue holds 150 guests seated and 260 cocktail style.

Chicago Brand Museum: The new Chicago Brand Museum celebrates the art and psychology of branding with a nostalgia-packed venue steps from McCormick Place. The museum is equipped with a 24-seat boardroom and optional courtyard, ideal for business meetings, social gatherings, and workshops.

Hotel opening and renovations

Sports Illustrated Resorts: The perfect accommodation for sports fans is now open in Chicago’s Loop, celebrating the city’s rich sports legacy with a converted 236-room property.

Hyatt Regency Chicago: This iconic hotel completed the final phase of its major, multi-year $200 million renovation, covering all 2,032 guestrooms and suites, the Regency and Crystal ballrooms, and the hotel’s signature Grand Ballroom.

Loews Chicago Hotel: This comprehensive hotel-wide refresh includes redesigned guestrooms, suites, and corridors, along with converting all double-double rooms to larger double-queen rooms.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago: This luxury hotel in the city’s Gold Coast recently launched an elevated spa and wellness experience with revitalized spaces to create a calm and serene atmosphere.

Hyatt Regency McCormick Place: This ambitious project will include full renovations of all 1,258 guest rooms. The South Tower guestrooms are now complete; the North Tower will be completed in early 2027.

Awards and accolades

Chicago was once again named the Best Big City in the U.S. for an astonishing 10th consecutive year. The prestigious award is voted on each year by discerning Condé Nast Traveler readers during the Readers’ Choice Awards, the industry’s longest-running and most trusted awards program.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport was named the busiest airfield in the United States, solidifying its position as the country’s most connected airport. O’Hare also added new direct routes to international destinations like Tokyo, San Juan, Cairo, Manila, and more.

Chicago was named one of the Best Places to Go in 2026 by Frommer’s and a Travelzoo Best Bets destination, highlighting the city as a standout leisure destination.

Chicago’s McCormick Placewas crowned one of the world’s top 25 convention centers and one of the best convention centers with more than 1 million sq. ft. of exhibit space.

McCormick Place achieved Platinum Level Certification from EIC’s Sustainable Event Standards, advancing from last year’s Gold Level Certification to earn the program’s highest distinction.

Coming in 2027

We may be the Best Big City for 10 years straight, but we aren’t resting on our laurels. Here are all the new and exciting things coming to Chicago in 2027.

Renovations and expansions

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry: The iconic Museum of Science and Industry will reimagine its south entrance experience, adding modern amenities, increasing accessibility, and creating public green spaces. Upon completion in 2027, visitors will be able to access the Museum’s original south entry from Jackson Park and enjoy features such as a cafe and a terrace overlooking the park’s Lagoon and the nearby Obama Presidential Center.

Shedd Aquarium Centennial Commitment: In anticipation of its 100th anniversary in 2030, the Shedd Aquarium has embarked on a transformative plan that will modernize the aquarium experience and enhance both the guest experience and animal care. In 2027, guests can look forward to a reimagined North Terrace with skyline views and a new Changing Oceans exhibit with a new walk-through tunnel that immerses visitors in the beauty of a coral reef.

360 CHICAGO: Located inside one of the city’s most famous skyscrapers, 360 CHICAGO is undergoing an expansion that will create Chicago’s first multi-story observation deck. The 96th floor will become a new event space for corporate gatherings, weddings, and other celebrations — all featuring the observation deck’s signature skyline views.

Hotel openings

Ruby Hotel Chicago: The first Ruby brand hotel in the U.S., this new property will transform a 1920s-era landmark just one block from The Magnificent Mile. The current plan calls for a 22-story hotel with 412 rooms and a rooftop terrace with skyline views.

Bally’s Casino and Resort: A $1.7 billion project is reimagining a key stretch of the Chicago River. In River West, this new casino and resort will boast a 500-room hotel, 3,000-seat entertainment venue, bars and restaurants, riverfront green space, and more.

The Neighborhood Hotel West Loop: This 76-room boutique hotel in the hip Fulton Market area is a restoration of a former bank building, complete with a marble lobby and terracotta staircase. The original bank vault will become an intimate cafe and bar space.

New attractions

Universal Horror Unleashed: Near the future Bally’s Casino, Universal Horror Unleashed will be a unique, immersive horror attraction with mazes, themed bars, and exclusive merchandise. Chicago will be the second Universal Horror Unleashed location and the first Universal attraction in the Midwest.

Candy Hall of Fame Experience: Chicago is the future home of the National Confectionery Sales Association’s highly anticipated Candy Hall of Fame Experience, which will open just across from Water Tower Place in 2027. The experiential attraction will include a museum that spotlights iconic candies, innovators, and confectionery history.

Looking ahead: 2028 and beyond

Chicago is never done finding ways to build a bigger, better city. Check out some of the transformative new additions and game-changing renovations happening across the city, from our airports to our dynamic neighborhoods.

Major new projects

The 78 and McDonald’s Park: The 78 is a once-in-a-generation project coming to Chicago’s South Loop. Hugging the Chicago River, this mixed-use development will be anchored by McDonald’s Park, a 22,000-seat stadium for the Chicago Fire FC scheduled to open for the 2028 MLS season. The area will also include 10,000 residential units, commercial office space, retail, dining, and acres of public green space alongside a half-mile extension of the Chicago Riverwalk.

1901 Project: Located near the iconic United Center, the 1901 Project is a long-term, multi-phased development that will reinvigorate the city’s West Side. The plan will transform the area around the stadium (home to the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks), adding a 6,000-seat entertainment venue, 20+ acres of park space, a 233-room hotel, nearly 10,000 housing units, and restaurant and retail space.

Additions and renovations

Concourse D at O’Hare International Airport: Concourse D, the largest new passenger facility built at O’Hare in more than 30 years, will add 19 new gates when completed in 2028.

The new concourse is the first major component of ORDNext, an ambitious modernization project that will elevate the passenger experience at O’Hare. A future Concourse E will also add 24 gates by 2034.

Water Tower Place: Water Tower Place, the city’s signature shopping mall on The Magnificent Mile, will undergo a $170 million redevelopment as part of the mall’s 50th anniversary celebrations. The project will enhance the shopper experience with new retail and dining experiences and a stunning new entrance. Construction is set to begin in 2027 and most work is scheduled to be completed in 2028.

Thompson Center: One of downtown Chicago’s most recognizable buildings is getting a second life as the new Midwest headquarters for Google. The overhauled Thompson Center will feature world-class art, innovative workspaces, direct access to CTA, a public plaza, and the iconic atrium. The space is set to open its doors in 2028.

Avalon Regal Theatre: A stunning South Side landmark is being restored to its original glory thanks to a bold new project. The Avalon Regal, a 2,250-seat theater with a breathtaking Moorish design, has hosted historic moments like Barack Obama’s 2008 victory party. The restoration of the Grand Hall is targeted to be complete in 2027, with full renovations by 2028.